the old yoga mat question

02-08-2007, 04:44 PM

Hi there, I'm a lurker and I'm hoping you all can help me make a decision.

I practice 4-6 times a week and I don't seem to wear out mats very
quickly, but my old thin mat is leaving little traces of itself all
over my clothes and the areas where I practice, so I think it's time
to bite the bullet and buy a new one. I would really appreciate it if
some of you would weigh in on the mat question. My cheap mat has done
well for me as it is not slippery at all--although it is a bit too
thin (abrely 1/8"). I went in with a group of other students years ago
and we bought a roll and someone cut it up.

Here are my thoughts after dong some research:

Manduka mats are sooooo expensive. Are they really worth it? I also
read somewhere that they're not all that non-slippery. I read a
review that said they smell strongly (PVC/chemicals). Then there's a
choice of the black one (thicker) or the travel one (thinner and
"one-sided"). The smell must dissipate over time, because I've
practiced with people who have these and I don't notice a smell. Any
opinions?

I like a friend's Jade Harmony mat, but it smells strongly of rubber.
I also read a review that these attract dust, hair, etc. So I'm
thinking I may not want that.

I saw a recommendation online for the Hugger Mugger eco mat, but I
have never seen (or felt) one in person and can't be sure they're not
slippery.

The Hugger Mugger Tapas mat looks shiny in photos (therefore slippery?).

Several years ago, I had one of those cheap purple mats that came with
a Yoga Journal set with the block, strap, etc., but it was too
slippery for me and I gave it away and went back to my old, thin mat.
They have different textures--the purple one was shinier and the
other, less slippery one, is flat/dull.

I want something that is a bit more comfortable than what I've been
using (what do people think of the 1/4" thickness of so many of these
mats?--some teachers don't recommend those). My mat is so thin that
probably any new mat would be better!

It's probably obvious from my previous points, but I don't want my
hands sliding in downward dog. I don't want strong smells. I don't
want to buy something cheap (like the purple one I had) that I end up
replacing again, but I don't want to waste my money by spending extra
just for a name. And I don't want to spend more than a Manduka mat
costs for sure.

Thank you in advance!

Namaste.

Chris

02-12-2007, 04:26 AM

ola to all.

i am new to ashtanga and i am looking for.

1 a good place to practice (in london)
2 a yoga retreat for dec 07 3 any one local to chelmsford(UK)

stay well and in peace.

HILARIO

02-12-2007, 09:28 AM

Hi Chris,

You are correct in your assessment of the Manduka mats; they are
expensive. However, to me, they are very comfortable (I have both
the purple travel mat and the heavier mat). Since you practice 4-6
times a week, I would recommend that you consider the Manduka as it
will give you greater comfort especially in your wrists. I practice
with a cotton mat on top of the Manduka, and this prevents any
skidding during any of the asanas.

Other folks may have experiences with other mats, but I can say that
the Mandukas are worth the money.

Namaste,

Ed

02-12-2007, 09:55 AM

I love my Manduka mat, I have been using it for over a year. Initially, it will slip, as I had to wash mine to get the slippery coating off of it. I wash my mat with Dr. Brommers soap and then hose it down. I considered other eco-friendly mats, but I wanted one that was sturdy and worth my investment. Thus far, I have not had any problems and I practice six days a week, when I begin to really sweat during practice, I will use my Mysore rug. Other students who travel, seem to like the purple Manduka as it is not as heavy.

When it comes down to it, the Manduka mat is NOT an eco-friendly mat, but it is worth the investment for long-term use.

Peace.

Juliet

02-12-2007, 11:03 AM

Good post. Yes, I also interested in purchasing a new mat as well. My mat is older and slips too much. Most if not all of the issues that Chris mentions are issues that I would think apply as well. I would also like to purchase a non-slip/antiperspiration based rug that could work with the new mat as well. I find the rug is needed when you do any form of heated room yoga, whether that is Ashtanga/Vinyasa and Bikram among others. It would appear that most of the advanced Ashtanga/Vinyas flow classes now seem to to have heated rooms, which I really like. Therefore, the rug and/or a towel is abolsutley necessary, otherwise you start to slip. I would also look forward to a range of colors as well.

Namaste'

Stephen

02-12-2007, 11:19 AM

Hi Chris

I'm also picky on smells. I now have the travel Manduka, over
an old sticky mat, and use the two at the same time. Why
aren't you using a mysore rug? You can wash that weekly.
You can use the mat for standing poses, and special
poses that require extra traction (like Urdha Danurasana)
and for most of the seated poses do them on the rug over
the sticky mat. If you are in a room where evaporation
occurs rapidly, then you can spray the rug a little bit
to make it stick.

I would not worry about the investment. Mandukas in
my experience wear the least over time.

Hope that helps.
Arturo

02-12-2007, 11:43 AM

Chris:

Mats are ultimately an idioynchratic and personal choice.

That being said, in my opinion:

Thick soft mats can and frequently do lead to wrist injury. - When the mat
is thick and soft there is a tendency for the wrist to hyperextend.

I personally like manducca mats - the black ones last a very very long time
- easily long enough to justify the price difference. They are heavy which
can be annoying if you carry it around a lot.

The manducca purple mat is lighter, still very good and lasts much longer
than the very thin mats.

Both Manducas are slippery when you buy them. I believe there is some oil
or plasticizer on the surface. Before using, I usually wash them in hot
water (in the bathtub) with a little dishwasher detergent.

I use the dishwasher detergent because it is designed to easily rinse off
the surface.

02-12-2007, 02:34 PM

I have been very happy with my mats from here. Also, notice they have
free listings for yoga teachers, studios, retreats, etc. I love the
neti pot that they sell as well as the toothpaste.

http://healthandyoga.com/html/produc...ryogamats.html

Diane

02-12-2007, 03:34 PM

-Hey chris-
I have a Hugger Mugger Tapas mat that is 1/4 inch thick.
Im really happy with it.
I dont slip at all and it lays flat from day 1.
I never noticed a smell.
It is old and has never left little pieces anywhere.
Good luck on your mat hunt. Teresa

02-12-2007, 09:27 PM

Agree! I like the Manduka a lot. Or you can put a big towel on top.
Amy

02-13-2007, 04:44 AM

You're right Juliet, it's not technically eco
friendly. But they are such sturdy mats they are less
likely to end up in a land fill! Manduka mat's are
made to take a lickin' - I love mine! I've been using
my purple one for over a year, 6 days a week and it's
in the same condition it was when I bought it ( not as
slippy but no signs of wear and tear).

E

--- argonzit wrote:

> I love my Manduka mat, I have been using it for over
> a year. Initially, it will slip, as I had to wash
> mine to get the slippery coating off of it. I wash
> my mat with Dr. Brommers soap and then hose it down.
> I considered other eco-friendly mats, but I wanted
> one that was sturdy and worth my investment. Thus
> far, I have not had any problems and I practice six
> days a week, when I begin to really sweat during
> practice, I will use my Mysore rug. Other students
> who travel, seem to like the purple Manduka as it is
> not as heavy.
>
> When it comes down to it, the Manduka mat is NOT an
> eco-friendly mat, but it is worth the investment for
> long-term use.
>
> Peace.
>
> Juliet
>

Be inspiring

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02-13-2007, 10:44 AM

Hello!

I quite like the agoy earth mat 'deluxe thickness' (ha-ha. Smells great
and has a good grip. But, as wisely said, it's a personal thing... My
advice is to ask some of your friends in class if you could check out
their mats and do a few asana just to try if you spot any you like.

Namaste, Anguela

02-14-2007, 02:15 PM

Thanks, everyone, for your helpful responses.

Tom, your point about wrist injuries is well taken. It makes me think
I better stick with a thinner mat, because my wrists already bother me
sometimes. However, Ed said that the thicker mat seems to be better
for wrists. I'm not sure, but I think I've heard in the past that
thinner mats are recommended for those with wrist problems.

Arturo, I do use a rug for seated poses (and shoulderstand/headstand).
Because I already have a rug, maybe that's another reason to stick
with a thinner mat.

Thanks for the tips about washing the mat first, Juliet and Tom--I
wouldn't have known that.

Hmmm, much to think about. I'll check out the various suggestions.

Thanks again!

Namaste,

Chris

02-19-2007, 11:39 AM

Hi, i use a cotton mat ontop of a rubber one, not sure of the brands.
i really like the feeling of natural fibre next to my skin and the
cotton is both less tacky and less slippy than rubber. hope this
helps, Mitchell